442 Horticulture Today
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
People who work at this facility have varied educational training related
to the study of plants. Many of the employees at this facility are professional
researchers with doctoral degrees. However, there are many employment
opportunities for laboratory technicians with plant science backgrounds. In
these positions, employees must have problem-solving skills, be inquisitive,
employ good communication skills, and pay attention to detail.
Ty Strode
Photography by Agri-Starts, Inc
Ty Strode is part owner of his family-run
company in Apopka, Florida, called Agri-Starts Inc.,
and is also one of the most influential young growers
in the green industry. In 2013, the Greenhouse
Product News named Strode to their 40 under
40 list. This honor highlights Strode as one of the
premier horticultural growers in the world.
Agri-Starts, founded in 1984 by Ty’s father
Randy Strode, began by growing foliage items for
Florida growers. Today, Agri-Starts micropropagates
500 different types of plants annually and ships
up to 300,000 micropropagated plants each week.
Agri-Starts is currently focused on propagating
edible plants, such as fig, blueberry, and blackberry,
and has partnered research efforts with several
universities to micropropagate the best and newest
edible varieties. In addition, the company has
invested in green technologies, such as water
reclamation and integrated pest management
techniques. Agri-Starts was also recently
recognized by the Florida Department of Agriculture
Career Connection Career Connection
Vice President and Marketing Director
as the environmental leader of the year for their
land ethic and conservation efforts.
Ty Strode encourages students to join the
green industry where opportunities are limitless.
He believes the “industry (is filled) with incredible
people and even the greatest competitor is still
respected.” Positions in his company and others
in the industry include jobs in sales, marketing,
finance, accounting, and freight logistics.